Grand Californian Review Feb 2012

[vettegirl]

I wanted to share with you my thoughts on the beautiful Grand Californian Hotel. We stayed 3 nights Feb 12-15. I have had the pleasure to stay at a few different Disney owned hotels and after getting a great rate thanks to the Military Salute I figured I will try it out! We arrived at noon on a Sunday, and waited in line about 15 minutes to check it. I will comment that the doors that open into the lobby should be more centered so you get the full effect of the lobby instead of being off to the side. Comparing this to the GF and AKL at WDW you do not get the same wow effect until you get in the actual lobby. Our room wasn't ready so we went over to DL to the Hungry Bear for lunch (the fried green tomoto sandwhic is worth the flight over for me ). After lunch I received the text that our room was ready! We were given room 2222, which granted both of my requests for a king bed and close to the lobby. So we went straight back to the GCH as I was dying to see this room! Here are some photos to share!

I must say if was like deja vu for me, as the room set up was the exact same as the AKL at WDW! The room was spacious, comfortable, and overall very nice. Now IMO not as nice as the AKL and the GF rooms but still very nice. The bed was soooo comfortable. I never slept better and the room was very quiet and relaxing. I love the small details that make Disney so special and this shower curtain was one that I loved. I wish I owned one

I loooooved this too! The maid gave me an extra one and it is now hanging on my bedroom door, I am such a dork

I loved our view for a standard room this was awesome!!!

I was so bummed that the hot tub was always full of little kids swimming, I know its Disney but we just wanted to relax for a little bit.

Overall we enjoyed this resort, the location was perfection. Service was nice and overall I would stay here again. I still like the new rooms at the DLH more, but the location wins hands down for this resort. I would rank it just behind the GF and AKL, but again it's a very nice place!

 

[gmi3804]

Tanks for sharing! We arrive at GCH next Friday for four nights. Can't wait!

 

[vettegirl]

Tanks for sharing! We arrive at GCH next Friday for four nights. Can't wait!

How exciting, have a great time at the GCH!

 

[SGDisneyFam]

We love it there too,


Our "Standard View" when we had a king bed and couch was of the parking lot.

That sure is a nice view for a standard one.

I totally agree on the doors not being centered as well.

 

[Midnightred]

Loved the photos, thanks for sharing! That shower curtain is fantastic, love Bambi and Thumper!

Midnightred

 

[gmi3804]

We love it there too,

I totally agree on the doors not being centered as well.

One of the features of Arts & Crafts (and especially Prairie) architecture is to de-emphasize the entryway. Indeed, it's often hidden, or placed in a non-conspicuous or -logical place in order to draw the person in to the real show and the center of the space. Entryways often have low ceilings, which also serve this end. In that regard, I'd say the architecture and entryway of the GCH is most appropriate.

 

[MotoWifey185]

Thanks for sharing! What a great view for only paying standard, usually pool views are more but I know that sometimes you get upgraded. DF and I are considering staying there for our honeymoon in September.

 

[MorganM]

If you dont mind me asking how much was the stay per night? Where did you book your deal?

We would like to stay here in May and I hear many saying that its not worth it to stay unless you get the room at $300 or less and I really dont know where people are finding these rates. Thanks!

 

[vettegirl]

If you dont mind me asking how much was the stay per night? Where did you book your deal?

We would like to stay here in May and I hear many saying that its not worth it to stay unless you get the room at $300 or less and I really dont know where people are finding these rates. Thanks!

I booked direct through Disney over the phone with their military discount of $185 a night. It was worth it for that price, no way would I pay $300 to stay there though.

 

[MorganM]

I booked direct through Disney over the phone with their military discount of $185 a night. It was worth it for that price, no way would I pay $300 to stay there though.

Thanks, I was thinking the same thing!

 

[vettegirl]

Thanks, I was thinking the same thing!

Your welcome!

 

[Nonsuch]

I booked direct through Disney over the phone with their military discount of $185 a night.

That is an excellent price
The king bed is a rare room type. My requests for a king bed have seldom been granted. Your room was part of the VGC expansion, and is the first hotel room confirmed to have a king bed.

The second floor is nice, skip the elevator and take the stairs off the main lobby